The Reality of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects about one per cent of the population in the UK. The author argues that the stigma of mental illness remains the greatest obstacle to overcoming the disease as it prevents early diagnosis. The author also looks at the attitudes of professionals, sufferers and their families.

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Schizophrenia affects approximately one per cent of the total population in the UK. The good news, however, is that in a large number of cases it can be cured. But the stigma of mental illness remains the main obstacle to overcoming the worst effects of the condition. Each episode of mental breakdown worsens the prospects for recovery and a return to a normal life. Early diagnosis and effective drug treatment are therefore essential in halting the progression of the disease. The author, a psychiatric social worker for 14 years, argues that unfortunately there is a reluctance among psychiatrists to diagnose schizophrenia. This stems from misplaced fears of "labelling" patients who will be stuck with the stigma of mental illness. Gwen Howe argues that patients and their families positively welcome diagnosis as a relief from the misery of impotence in the face of a psychotic illness as they are often wrecked by ignorance and misplaced fear. This book attempts to show how muddled thinking has contributed to this avoidable tragedy and is aimed at sufferers, their families abd for professionals involved in the diagnosis and care of schizophrenia sufferers.